Boris Spassky

Boris Spassky was a Soviet chess grandmaster who was World Chess Champion
from 1969 to 1972 until he lost the title to Bobby Fisher.

He learned chess when he was 9 years old, joined a chess club and his great talent
was soon recognized.

1966 he qualified to challenge Tigran Petrosian for the first
time but lost the match 11,5−12,5 (3 wins, 4 losses, 17 draws)

World Chess Championship 1969
Spassky versus Petrosian - 12.5 : 10.5

Two years later in 1968 he qualified again winning the
candidates tournament and challenged Petrosian again in 1969. Spassky
was better prepared this time and won the match
12,5−10,5 (6 wins, 4 losses, 13 draws) and became world
champion.

In 1972 Boris lost the title in Reykjavík to Bobby Fischer Result:
8,5 : 12,5 (3 wins, 7 losses, 11 draws). Spassky and Fisher became friends.